Department of Defence (APS employees) base salaries for every APS and Executive Level salary range from 12 March 2026, with take-home pay after tax in 2026–27.
An APS 4 at Defence starts on $81,868, about $2,506 a fortnight after tax. An EL 1 starts on $124,393, about $3,618 a fortnight.
Defence pay rates after tax
| Level | Salary | Take-home per fortnight | With HECS |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS 1 minimum | $57,497 | $1,874 | $1,874 |
| APS 1 maximum | $62,934 | $2,013 | $2,013 |
| APS 2 minimum | $63,449 | $2,026 | $2,026 |
| APS 2 maximum | $71,329 | $2,230 | $2,220 |
| APS 3 minimum | $72,275 | $2,255 | $2,239 |
| APS 3 maximum | $79,635 | $2,447 | $2,389 |
| APS 4 minimum | $81,868 | $2,506 | $2,435 |
| APS 4 maximum | $89,377 | $2,702 | $2,588 |
| APS 5 minimum | $89,841 | $2,714 | $2,597 |
| APS 5 maximum | $96,829 | $2,897 | $2,740 |
| APS 6 minimum | $99,733 | $2,973 | $2,799 |
| APS 6 maximum | $112,431 | $3,305 | $3,058 |
| EL 1 minimum | $124,393 | $3,618 | $3,301 |
| EL 1 maximum | $140,315 | $4,020 | $3,604 |
| EL 2 minimum | $144,430 | $4,117 | $3,673 |
| EL 2 maximum | $173,359 | $4,795 | $4,163 |
The agreement sets a minimum and maximum salary for each level. Take-home is after income tax and the Medicare levy for a full year in 2026–27; allowances and super aren't included. Tap a salary to open it in the pay calculator.
These are civilian APS salaries in Defence, not ADF pay. Defence also has two higher EL 2 work-value levels: EL 2.1 ($173,360 – $206,309) and EL 2.2 ($206,310 – $232,096). For uniformed pay see ADF pay rates.
Common questions
What is the APS 4 salary at Defence?
$81,868 – $89,377 a year from 12 March 2026, or about $2,506 to $2,702 a fortnight after tax in 2026–27.
What is the APS 6 salary at Defence?
$99,733 – $112,431 a year, about $2,973 to $3,305 a fortnight after tax.
What is the EL1 salary at Defence?
$124,393 – $140,315 a year, about $3,618 to $4,020 a fortnight after tax.
Is super included?
No. Employer super is paid on top of these base salaries.
Are these the same in every APS agency?
No. Each agency sets its own pay points in its enterprise agreement, so the same level can pay differently. Compare agencies.
Other agencies: ATO · Treasury · Services Australia · Home Affairs · compare all · compare agreements.
Source: Defence Enterprise Collective Agreement 2024, Annex A, Table 1: Standard Classifications, rates from 12 March 2026. Checked 2026-10-15. Tax: ATO tax rates. General information only.